Chris Awhawha
Indigenes of Rivers state resident in Bayelsa State under the aegis of the ‘Rivers State Community’ at the weekend held their maiden cultural carnival.
Tagged: ‘Rivers Day’, the event featured display of various delicacies original to the kingdoms of the state, songs and dances as well as cultural dressing styles, amongst others.
In his address, chairman of the organizing committee who doubles as chairman, Abua-Odual community of the Rivers Community, Mr Amieyefori Joseph Imaotu said the fiesta was organized as a way of reenacting the unity and love noted amongst members of the community in the state.
He stated that cultural gatherings and programmes were a way of uniting a people, hence the community in state could not be left out in fostering unity amongst its people.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the occasion, and Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bayelsa State, Dr Izibeya Wilcox lauded the community for organizing the event.
He reiterated the need for unity and love amongst tribes and kingdoms leaving outside their original states, noting that the Rivers Community in the State has shown exemplary pattern of communal living and trust amongst her people.
Rendering account of his stewardship, the outgoing President of the community, Dr Madapuye Dokubo Felix said under his leadership the community became more united and larger as more ethnic groups of Rivers state origin were registered as members of the community.
He said in his tenure as the 5th president of the body, the community’s constitution which was hitherto ineffective was amended to be inline with the aspiration and yearnings of the Rivers people living in the state.
Dokubo Felix restated that love, support and brotherhood would continue to reign amongst the people of the state resident in Bayelsa State.
The ex-Community helmsman who is now President, South-South non-indigenes association in Bayelsa state commended the state governor, Senator Douye Diri for the prevailing peace and security in the state.
Also speaking, the new President of the Community, Chief (Prince) Barisuka Bethel lauded members of the community for the feat achieved in their quest for unity and progress.
He promised running an open door policy, reiterating that under his leadership the Community would consolidate on the achievements recorded during the tenure of the outgone executive.
Highpoints of the event were the presentation of awards to some members of the community, including the outgone president, Dr Dokubo Felix .